Steven Moffat says he has started looking for his Doctor Who replacement

Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat says he is on the lookout for his replacement.

Speculation over his exit has flared up after every series since he joined, and they’ve come around again.

Speaking to Radio Times Moffat admitted he’s struggling with the ’emotional difficulty’ of moving on, but is getting started on finding someone new.

Of leaving he said: ‘That is an issue and one I’m actively engaged in but I can’t say much about that.

‘Everything is difficult in Doctor Who, including leaving, and I would never do anything to harm it. I would never leave it in the lurch because it means to much to me. Yes it’s a problem. Let’s not pretend it’s not a big problem. But there will be a solution. In terms of the emotional difficulty of leaving, it’s hard.’

Moffat is ‘actively engaged’ in looking for a replacement showrunner (Picture: BBC)

The Sherlock writer isn’t the only one to drop hints about quitting.

In August, current Doctor Peter Capaldi suggested that his time in the role isn’t long term.

He told The Mirror: ‘I sort of enjoy this position I am in with a kind of deep Scottish melancholy because I know it has to end one day. I will cross that bridge when we come to it, which may be sooner rather than later.’